Tiger Island (Dreamworld)

Tiger Island is a wildlife attraction in the Dreamworld amusement park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.[1] This exhibit houses for both the Bengal and Sumatran tiger species. The tigers have been raised within the compound and are free to roam and interact with the visitors in the amusement park.[2]

Tiger Island
Trainers interact with the tigers in the exhibit.
ThemeAsian rainforests
Attractions
Total1
Shows1
Dreamworld
Coordinates27°51′52.91″S 153°19′4.13″E
StatusOperating
Opened1995 (1995)

History

Tiger Island opened in 1995 as one of only two interactive tiger exhibits in the world. The exhibit featured various locations for the tigers to live, swim and play. Three years later, in October of 1998, Dreamworld welcomed their first litter of four Bengal tiger cubs consisting of Rama, Sita, Sultan and Taj. In 2006, the first litter of Sumatran tiger cubs was born featuring Indah and Rahni.[3] A nursery and smaller tiger enclosure were constructed to showcase the younger tigers before being released into the main exhibit.[1][4]

On June 20, 2012, Mohan, one of Dreamworld's original Bengal tigers, died after a battle with kidney disease.[5][6] Mohan was born on November 2, 1994, in the United States before being transferred to Dreamworld for the opening of Tiger Island.[7] When he arrived he was known as the "King of Tiger Island".[7]

In 2015, two litters were born to Raja (father) and Nika (mother). On July 25, Kai, a male cub, was born, while two female cubs were born on November 29, to the same mother and father. Later during a competition in conjunction with Channel 7's Sunrise Morning Show, the two female cubs were named Akasha and Adira.

On February 19, 2016, two white tiger cubs were put on public display in a temporary quarantine enclosure, found in Ocean Parade, in front of Zombie Evilution. These two cubs, who were later to be named Kiko and Kali, were flown in from Japan under Dreamworld's partnership arrangement with Hirakawa Zoo in Kagoshima City.

On February 29, 2016, the Tiger Island area closed for refurbishment. It re-opened on Sunday, September 18, 2016, with designs by Jamie Durie.[8]

Tigers
Name Species Date of Birth Sex Colour Weight OtherInformation Meaning of name Notes
Javi Sumatran/Siberian 26 April 2019 M♂ Golden with dark stripes Javi was born to Adira and Pi and is a brother of Zakari. Victorious [9]
Jaya Sumatran 9 June 2007 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 70 kilograms (150 lb) Jaya was born with two sisters Shanti and Ndari. Victorious [10]
Kai Sumatran/Siberian 25 July 2015 M♂ Golden with dark stripes 25 kilograms (55 lb) A male cub born to Nika and Raja, big brother to the two female cubs born on 29 November 2015 Strong and Unbreakable [11]
Khan Sumatran/Siberian 26 May 2019 M♂ Golden with dark stripes Khan was born to Nika and Raja and was the only cub of his litter. Leader who focuses on important issues [9]
Nika Bengal/Siberian 15 April 2006 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 160 kilograms (350 lb) Born in Poland, Nika was transferred to Dreamworld in 2013. Her genetics are an important addition to the Tiger Island program. Nika has not been hand-reared and cannot be handled by Tiger Island staff. Belongs to God [12]
Pi Bengal/Sumatran 19 July 2010 M♂ Golden with dark stripes 110125 kilograms (276 lb) Born at Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve, Pi was mis-mothered and transferred to Dreamworld to be hand-reared by Dreamworld's experienced tiger handlers. The transfer has given Pi the opportunity to socialise with the other big cats. The main character in the book "Life of Pi" [12]
Raja Sumatran 2003-12-2525 December 2003 M♂ Golden with dark stripes 110110 kilograms (240 lb) Due to not being hand-raised, Raja cannot be handled by Tiger Island staff and lives in a purpose build exhibit in the back of house. King [13]
Zakari Sumatran/Siberian 26 April 2019 M♂ Golden with dark stripes Zakari was born to Adira and Pi and is the older brother of Javi by 35 minutes. Those who desire to inspire others, to a higher cause [9]
Shanti Sumatran 2008-06-099 June 2007 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 07070 kilograms (150 lb) Shanti was born with two sisters Jaya and Ndari. Inner Peace [14]
Akasha Sumatran/Siberian 29 November 2015 F♀ Golden with dark stripes One of two sisters born to Nika and Raja, part of the second litter in 2015. Akasha is of Indian origin where tigers are still able to be found in the wild [11]
Adira Sumatran/Siberian 29 November 2015 F♀ Golden with dark stripes The second of two sisters born to Nika and Raja. Adira means strong and noble, reflecting the majestic nature of tigers. [11]
Kiko Bengal 2 November 2015 F♀ White with dark stripes One of two female white tiger cubs flown in from Hirakawa Zoo in Japan to be part of Dreamworld's breeding program. [15]
Kali Bengal 2 November 2015 F♀ White with dark stripes One of two female white tiger cubs flown in from Hirakawa Zoo in Japan to be part of Dreamworld's breeding program. [15]

Former tigers

This section shows a list of tigers that were present at the park, but are no longer there.

Name Species Date of Birth Sex Colour Weight OtherInformation Meaning of name Notes
Melati Samutran 24 January 2018 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 45 kilograms (99 lb) Sister to Mya, Melati was transferred with her sister to the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra in early September 2018. Jasmine Flower
Mya Sumatran 24 January 2018 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 48 kilograms (106 lb) Sister to Melati, Mya was transferred with her sister to the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra in early September 2018 "Beloved" or "Great"
Indah Sumatran 31 March 2006 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 80 kilograms (180 lb) One of the first litter of Sumatran tiger cubs born at Dreamworld. Her father is Raja. Sister to Rahni. Indah was transferred to Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo Beautiful
Kato Sumatran 24 October 2001 M♂ Golden with dark stripes 160160 kilograms (350 lb) Born in a wildlife park in Sydney and was transferred less than a month later. Kato was later transferred to Symbio Zoo, Sydney Pure
Rahni Sumatran 31 March 2006 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 08080 kilograms (180 lb) One of the first litter of Sumatran tiger cubs born at Dreamworld. Her father is Raja. Sister to Indah. Now lives at National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra Brave [16]
Sali Sumatran 11 April 2008 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 07070 kilograms (150 lb) Born in captivity at Perth Zoo. Steadfast [17]
Sultan Bengal 23 October 1998 M♂ Golden with dark stripes 200200 kilograms (440 lb) Son of Mohan and Samara, and brother to Rama, Sita and Taj. Part of the Awesome Pawsome born at Dreamworld. Died on 16 January 2016. Sultan means "Ruler." [18][19]
Sita Bengal 1998-10-2323 October 1998 F♀ Golden with light stripes 135135 kilograms (298 lb) Daughter of Mohan and Samara, and sister to Rama, Sultan and Taj. Part of the Awesome Pawsome born at Dreamworld. Died on 30 May 2017. Goddess of the Land [20][21]
Taj Bengal 23 October 1998 M♂ White with light stripes 195195 kilograms (430 lb) Son of Mohan and Samara, and brother to Rama, Sita and Sultan. Part of the Awesome Pawsome born at Dreamworld. Died in 2013. Crown [22]
Rama Bengal 1998-10-2323 October 1998 M♂ Golden with light stripes 180180 kilograms (400 lb) Son of Mohan and Samara, and brother to Sultan, Sita and Taj. Part of the Awesome Pawsome born at Dreamworld. Died in December 2017.[23] Kindly God [24]
Inca Cougar 4 July 1995 F♀ Fawn Between 35 kilograms (77 lb) and 40 kilograms (88 lb). Born in New South Wales and moved to Dreamworld three weeks after birth with her sister Sierra. Off public exhibit, but still alive as at July 2016. Abundance [25]
Sierra Cougar 4 July 1995 F♀ Fawn Between 35 kilograms (77 lb) and 40 kilograms (88 lb). Born in New South Wales and moved to Dreamworld three weeks after birth with her sister Inca. Off public exhibit, but still alive as at July 2016. Mountains [26]
Baru Bengal 2 March 2012 M♂ Golden with dark stripes 165 kg Brother to Ravi. Born in a wildlife park in Sydney and was transferred less than a month later. Has now been transferred to National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra
Ndari Sumatran 9 June 2007 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 70 kg Ndari was born with two sisters Shanti and Jaya. Has now been transferred to National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra Full Moon
Ravi Bengal 2 March 2013 M♂ Golden with dark stripes 165 kg Brother to Baru. Born in a wildlife park in Sydney and was transferred less than a month later. Has now been transferred to National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra
Mohan Bengal 2 November 1994 M♂ White with light stripes 180 kg One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995. Died in 2012. Father of Sultan, Sita, Rama and Taj. Died on 20 June 2012. Charming [27]
Samara Bengal 1994 F♀ Golden with dark stripes One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995. Moved to the National Zoo in Canberra where she died in 2004. Mother of Sultan, Sita, Rama and Taj.
Bakkar Bengal 30 December 1994 M♂ Golden with dark stripes One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995. Moved to Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo, Then to the National Zoo in Canberra where he died in June 2016. [28]
Rakkhan Bengal 22 December 1994 M♂ Golden with dark stripes 150 kg One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995.
Kyla Bengal 1994 F♀ White with dark stripes One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995. Died in late 1996. [29]
Jai Bengal 1994 F♀ White with dark stripes One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995.
Kaasha Bengal 24 October 2001 F♀ Golden with dark stripes Born in a wildlife park in Sydney and was transferred less than a month later. Sister of Kato, died less than a year after arriving at Dreamworld.
Soraya Sumatran 9 June 2002 F♀ Golden with dark stripes 85 kg Had 5 cubs in two litters with Raja. Was moved to Mogo Zoo to breed with another male. Princess

Tiger presentations
A tiger drinking milk from a trainers hand during a tiger presentation.
One of the tigers retrieving food from the top of a post during the show.

Tiger presentations are performed twice daily in the main exhibit. Guests can watch as the tigers perform feats which showcase their agility. During the presentation, the tigers climb 20-foot (6.1 m) trees and jump up to 10-foot (3.0 m) into the air.[30][31] In 2013, Cub College featured some of the younger tigers' performances.[32]

Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation
Main article: Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation

In 1997 Dreamworld created the Dreamworld Tiger Fund which aimed to support various projects to help save tigers in the wild. The fund contributed over a million dollars to this cause. The fund used a percentage of profits from merchandise sales, tiger walks and tiger photos as well as donations from the Dreamworld's guests and the wider community.[33]

In March 2012, the DWF was established, collaborating with existing wildlife conservation groups to bring substantial financial support to the conservation movement on a global scale.

An internationally recognized fund committed to the protection, education, and conservation of the earth's most magnificent creatures and habitats, crucial to their survival. Through this initiative individuals may adopt some of the species of animals found in the Dreamworld Corroboree, such as Tasmanian devils, crocodiles, red kangaroos, and cassowaries, alongside the Tiger Island tigers.[34]

Shopping and dining

Overlooking the tiger exhibit are retail facilities for tiger merchandise at Tiger Bazaar and a dining outlet called Island Noodle Hut.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Park Map" (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 March 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  2. "Tigers at Dreamworld". Dreamworld. Archived from the original on 17 August 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  3. "DW-School's History" (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  4. Dreamworld and WhiteWater World Park Map (2009).
  5. "Dreamworld mourns loss of tiger Mohan". Gold Coast Bulletin. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  6. Jabour, Bridie (21 June 2012). "Rare white Dreamworld tiger dies at 17". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  7. "Mohan". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  8. "About Us — Dreamworld History". Dreamworld. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  9. "Tiger Cubs". Dreamworld. 26 May 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  10. "Jaya". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  11. "Dreamworld Tiger Cubs | Dreamworld Tiger Island". www.dreamworld.com.au. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  12. "Tiger Island | things to do | Dreamworld". www.dreamworld.com.au. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  13. "Raja". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  14. "Shanti". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  15. "Dreamworld Tiger Cubs | Dreamworld Tiger Island". www.dreamworld.com.au. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
  16. "Rahni". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  17. "Sali". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  18. "Sultan". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  19. "Dreamworld Australia | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  20. "Sita". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  21. "Dreamworld Australia | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  22. "Taj". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  23. "Rama the bengal tiger at Dreamworld dies on Gold Coast". 13 December 2017.
  24. "Rama". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  25. "Inca". Dreamworld. Archived from the original on 9 July 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  26. "Sierra". Dreamworld. Archived from the original on 9 July 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  27. "Mohan". Courier Mail. Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  28. "Bakkar". Australian Broadcasting Company. 6 June 2016. Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  29. "Kyla". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  30. 27enchantres (3 January 2009). "Tiger Island FULL Show". Video. YouTube. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  31. "Tiger Presentations". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  32. Quinlivan, Elouise (19 December 2013). "Dreamworld's tigers to roar into action on Boxing Day". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  33. "Helping to Save the Tigers". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  34. "Fraser starts endangered species program". The Sydney Morning Herald. 7 September 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
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